In a heartwarming display of friendship and respect, Brazilian football superstar Neymar Jr. has sent a unique gift to his former teammate and lifelong friend, Lionel Messi. The present is not only for Messi himself but also for his three sons — Mateo, Thiago, and Ciro — each receiving the iconic number 10 jersey from Neymar’s boyhood club, Santos. The club shared photographs of the moment Messi and his family received the jerseys, which have since gone viral among fans.
Santos FC described the gesture as “a sacred keepsake of immeasurable value, spanning Neymar Jr. to Lionel Messi, from Prince to Genius.” The club emphasised that the number 10 shirt, immortalised by the legendary Pelé, carries an enduring legacy. Neymar, Messi, and Pelé, each wearing the famed number 10 at different points in history, have left an indelible mark on the beautiful game. Messi was formally welcomed at Vila Belmiro, the historic Santos stadium, highlighting the symbolic nature of the gift.
Messi and Neymar: A Friendship Forged on the Pitch
Messi and Neymar’s bond began during their time together at FC Barcelona. In the 2014–15 season, they played pivotal roles in the club’s treble-winning campaign, securing the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, and Copa del Rey titles. Alongside Luis Suárez, they formed the formidable ‘MSN’ attacking trio, one of the most prolific partnerships in modern football history.
Although Neymar left Barcelona in 2017 to join Paris Saint-Germain, he reunited with Messi at PSG in 2021, rekindling their on-field partnership and friendship.
In 2023, both stars departed European football. Messi joined Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami, leading the club to its first-ever trophy. In 2024, he helped the team secure the Supporters’ Shield, followed by an MLS Cup victory in 2025. His personal accolades that season included the Golden Boot and the MLS Most Valuable Player award.
Meanwhile, Neymar returned to his childhood club Santos in 2025. Despite struggling with fitness due to injuries, he played a crucial role in keeping the club from relegation, proving his enduring class and commitment.
Career Highlights of Messi and Neymar (2014–2025)
| Year | Player | Club/Event | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014–15 | Messi & Neymar | FC Barcelona | Treble winners: Champions League, La Liga, Copa del Rey; formed ‘MSN’ trio |
| 2017 | Neymar | PSG | Transferred from Barcelona |
| 2021 | Messi & Neymar | PSG | Reunited at Paris Saint-Germain |
| 2023 | Messi | Inter Miami | Joined MLS; won first club trophy |
| 2024 | Messi | Inter Miami | Supporters’ Shield winner |
| 2025 | Messi | Inter Miami | MLS Cup winner; Golden Boot & MVP awards |
| 2025 | Neymar | Santos | Returned to childhood club; helped avoid relegation |
Through this thoughtful gesture, Neymar has not only celebrated his friendship with Messi but also created a memorable connection with Messi’s family. The number 10 jerseys symbolise the shared legacy of two of football’s greatest talents and their continued influence on generations of players and fans alike.